In a lengthy interview with HLTV editor Nohte, Vitality Performance Manager Jack Birtwhistle revealed the team's future plans, stating that current in-game leader apEX's contract will expire at the end of 2027, and that both mezii, who previously served as in-game leader for fnatic, and the team's highly active rifler flameZ have the opportunity to take over as Vitality's future in-game leader.
Jack: A role like apEX's is especially hard to fill, right? That kind of talent doesn't grow on trees — you can't just pick it up off the ground anywhere. The coaching staff and I will have a chat with Neo — Neo is Vitality's CEO — and try to lay out clearly all the background information he needs for long-term planning. But to be clear, I don't think... it really depends on how far he is from the end of his career.
As for apEX, as far as I know, his current contract runs until the end of 2027. So what we're facing right now is not a situation where apEX's career is about to come to an end. And mezii is only 27. I don't want to speak for them, but I feel that no one is thinking too much about retirement right now. Thank goodness, this is really lucky for me, because I get to work with these guys for a while longer. Maybe in a year, that will be when we need to start talking about this topic.
apEX celebrating his pregnant wife's birthday
Jack: However, there will be a period when apEX will step away from the team to spend time with his family, and mezii will get an opportunity to step up into a leadership role. He previously IGLed for fnatic, so this will be a great opportunity for him to dust off those skills, flex those muscles a bit, and see where he stands now.
mezii, who is also a father
Jack: I have to say, flameZ really... In the long run, I think flameZ will become an excellent IGL. He won't get along with everyone because he's a very unique guy. But lately he's really stepped up within the team, quietly taking on that "second voice" role. So I think we're in a really good spot with that setup.
“The Freest Commander”+“The Freest Rifleman”
Jack: apEX is a fiercely competitive fighter at heart. I'd be shocked if he retired. Of course he can't play forever, but no one thought Tom Brady could keep playing until he was 40 either. I've talked to apEX about this: If Tom Brady can play in the NFL all the way to 40, then I think as long as you want to, you can absolutely keep playing CS until you're 40.